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On August 15, 1835 The Chicago Police Department is born. Orsemus Morrison is elected Chicago’s first constable, assisted by Constables Luther Nichols and John Shrigley. The three-man police force serves and protects a population of about 3,200. The Police Department pre-dates Chicago as a city.
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On December 5th, 1853 Constable of Police James Quinn became the first Officer killed in the line of duty.
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The Chicago Police Department institutes an official uniform for its members. Prior to this members wore plain clothes.
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James L. Shelton, the first black policeman was appointed and joined the force.
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The “Ambulance Service” began with a donation from Mrs. Ada Sweet, she provided funds for an ambulance that was stationed at the 1st Precinct located on Harrison Street. A CPD ambulance was simply a horse drawn patrol wagon equipped with a stretcher and bandages. The Officers assigned were trained by a Doctor in basic medical techniques.
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On August 13, 1913 the Department appoints its first female officers as 10 women take the oath of office as Chicago police officers. Of this group, Alice Clement emerges as one of the most famous law enforcers in the nation.
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When they were first assigned to patrol duties, female Chicago Police Officers began wearing the same uniform as their male counterparts. Previously, female officers wore skirts and worked only specialized assignments.
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Superintendent Philip J. Cline introduces several programs that result in a remarkable drop in the City’s homicide rate, He also reinstates the abolished Chicago Police Department Cadet Program as a recruitment tool.